Arthur Kornberg (1918-2007) was an American biochemist who
made outstanding contributions to molecular biology through
his research on enzymes. He was the first to isolate DNA
polymerase, the enzyme that assembles DNA from its
components, and the first to synthesize DNA in a test tube,
which earned him a Nobel Prize in 1959. He later became the
first to replicate an infective virus DNA
in vitro. Kornberg was also the
first chairman of the Department of Biochemistry at the
Stanford University School of Medicine, which under his
guidance became a preeminent center for DNA
research, including recombinant DNA research.

As part of its Profiles in Science project, the
National Library of Medicine has collaborated with
Stanford University Libraries Department of Special Collections and University Archives to digitize and make available over
the World Wide Web a selection of the
Arthur Kornberg Papers for use by educators and
researchers. This site provides access to the portions
of the Arthur Kornberg Papers of Stanford University Libraries Department of Special Collections and University Archives that
have been selected for digitization.
Individuals interested in conducting research in the
Arthur Kornberg Papers are invited to contact
Stanford University Libraries Department of Special Collections and University Archives.

This online Exhibit is designed to introduce you to the
various phases of Kornberg's
scientific career and professional life. It is divided
into sections that focus on
Kornberg's life and major
scientific contributions. We suggest that new visitors
begin with this exhibit, which includes a small
selection of documents and visuals, organized within
these sections. Each section begins with a "Background
Narrative," which leads to "Documents" and "Visuals."

Visitors may access additional materials through
Search
on the navigation bar. They may also view the materials
alphabetically or chronologically by choosing
Browse
on the navigation bar. Documents and visuals in these
lists are arranged by format and then either
alphabetically by title or chronologically.